Boy Scout Sex Abuse Lawyers

A Pattern of Abuse & Failed Oversight

Over the years, several high-profile court cases have produced criminal convictions and the release of internal records. That includes the release of more than 20,000 pages of documentation regarding thousands of cases of child sex abuse within the BSA.

Another internal record release in April 2019 provided additional insight into numerous other cases, accusing thousands of Scout leaders of sexual abuse dating back to 1947. The information also includes an incomplete list of former Boy Scout leaders accused of sexual abuse.

Findings revealed by these documents show:

• The BSA maintained “ineligible volunteer” files on sexual abusers since at least 1919.
• Over 7,800 suspected offenders are named in the files, as well as more than 12,250 suspected victims.
• The BSA rarely reported sex abuse allegations to law enforcement, and alleged offenders were often encouraged to quietly resign as a way to prevent public scandal.
• The BSA dismissed scout leaders accused of sexual abuse at a rate of one every three days prior to 1991, and one every two days after 1991

Although the latest excavation of internal records has garnered widespread attention and concern, many advocates believe it only scratches the surface. As investigations continue to obtain disclosures about what the Boy Scouts of America knew about abuse within its organization, and how it failed to protect youth members, survivors are being encouraged to step forward and share their stories.

You May Have the Right to Take Legal Action

Scoutmasters and troop leaders have historically had sole access to young boys during camping trips, adventure outings, and other Boy Scout functions. Sexual predators are known to be manipulative and skilled at putting themselves in positions where they can perform their crimes against children, adolescents, and teens. Often, threats, rewards, or other “deals” are made in order to get the victims to remain silent about the abuse.

Despite the fact that organizations like the Boy Scouts of America have implemented programs designed to prevent abuse, the fact remains that countless scouts were sexually abused at the hands of adults in positions of authority. What’s more, records indicate BSA officials care more about preserving the organization’s reputation than reporting suspected perpetrators to law enforcement and protecting children.

If you are a survivor of Boy Scout sexual abuse, you are not alone – and you may have the right to take legal action. Even if you are an adult, many states have passed laws extending the statute of limitations to allow adults abused as minors to bring civil claims against at-fault parties. Some of these laws, including California AB 218 and the NY Child Victims Act, provide a three-year window allowing adult-age survivors to bring claims regardless of when the abuse occurred.

At The Zalkin Law Firm, our Boy Scout sex abuse attorneys are dedicated to helping child sex abuse survivors navigate the civil justice system for the justice and compensation they deserve.